Master of Arts in Teaching Middle School Mathematics, Advanced Studies

This program consists of coursework in middle school mathematics, mathematics education, advanced pedagogy and a capstone course. The degree program satisfies the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements for a master's degree to be used for a professional license in Math (5-8).

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Program Requirements

Program Overview

Program Features 

  • Tailored for current education professionals: It will serve middle school teachers who already have an appropriate initial license and wish to complete a master’s degree program to become eligible to apply for professional licensure*. 

  • Flexible pacing options: This program can be completed in ~2 years full-time or 3 to 6 years part-time. Flexible evening, on-campus, online, and hybrid class formats are available to meet the needs of working professionals. 

  • Faculty: You will work with faculty with doctoral degrees from research universities and interests and expertise that range broadly over pure and applied mathematics. 

  • Capstone experience: Students have the opportunity to study current research on the teaching of mathematics at the middle and secondary levels. 

  • Culturally sustaining practices: Our teacher candidates are trained to create equitable learning environments in public schools. They learn how to design and implement culturally responsive lessons, manage classrooms of diverse learners, respond to the needs of all students and increase equitable access to learning for all students. Our dedicated faculty are committed to promoting social justice and equitable access to learning for all students. 

  • Graduate assistantships: Opportunities to apply for graduate assistantships, grants and scholarships.

*Please be aware that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may change licensure requirements. Students are advised to contact the state for specific, current licensure requirements. Students may access that information at the Department for Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Curriculum 

Our robust 30-credit curriculum is designed to give students the skills and confidence they need to begin teaching on day one. Students will take 18 credits of mathematics courses*, nine (9) credits of mathematics education courses, and a 3-credit capstone experience.

*Students whose background in mathematics is strong may, with the permission of the program coordinator, substitute one or more of the MSM mathematics courses with approved MAT electives.

Explore Pathways to a Career in Math Education

Salem State offers five unique pathways to prepare you for the next steps in your career as a secondary mathematics teacher.
 

Mathematics Education Program Options

  • MAT, middle school mathematics advanced studies program: for those who already hold an appropriate initial license and wish to complete a master’s degree program to become eligible to apply for professional licensure. 

  • MAT, middle school mathematics initial licensure program: for those seeking to obtain initial license to teach middle school mathematics (5-8) in conjunction with their master’s degree.

  • MAT, mathematics initial licensure program: for those with a background in mathematics seeking to obtain initial license to teach secondary mathematics (8-12) in conjunction with their master’s degree. 

  • MAT, mathematics advanced studies program: for those with a background in mathematics who would like to increase their formal education in mathematics and pedagogy and/or seek professional licensure. 

  • Licensure only, teacher of mathematics program: for those seeking an initial license to teach middle school mathematics (5-8) or (8-12) in Massachusetts but not a master's degree.

Are you seeking a sound mathematics foundation for further graduate study at the doctoral level, for teaching at the college level, and for careers in research and commerce? If so, our master of science in mathematics program may be a better fit.

If you have any questions about which program would be the best fit for you, please reach out to graduate admissions.

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